Qatar has halted its mediation efforts between Israel and Hamas, after concluding that both sides are “no longer negotiating in good faith,” CNN reported.
Qatar, which has long hosted Hamas’ political office in Doha, has been a key intermediary, alongside Egypt, facilitating discussion between the two parties that don’t directly engage with each other.
According to Qatar officials, recent negotiation effort have been more focused on optics that peace effort. The diplomat noted that, Qatar may resume the process if both sides show a genuine intent to negotiate.
CNN reported that despite a brief period of activity last month, no substantial negotiations since August, when six Israeli hostages were executed by Hamas and were found in Gaza tunnel.
According to the diplomatic source “”The Qataris have concluded that there is insufficient willingness from either side, with the mediation efforts becoming more about politics and PR rather than a serious attempt to secure peace, save the hostages and Palestinian civilians”.
CNN reported that, Qatar has decided that Hamas’s political office in Doha no longer serves its intended purpose in the role.
Hamas has demanded that any agreement with Israel must result in permanent end to the war in Gaza. However, Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu has refused this condition, and in July introduced new demands.
According to the Palestinian Ministry of Health, Death toll among Palestinians has rise, with more than 43 thousand killed in Israel’s military camp since October 7, attack by Hamas.
Israeli Minister of Economy Nir Barkat reacts to Qatar’s, dismissed the country’s role, calling it “Hamas defender, the one to fund and protect the terrorist organization”.
Qatar has stated that it is willing to resume mediation efforts when both the sides, genuinely want to negotiate peace and end the suffering of civilians.